Inflatable enclosure for swimming pools and the like

ABSTRACT

A vinyl, or other plastic, enclosure for swimming pools (both in-ground and above-ground), storage tanks, or other liquid carrying containers which can be inflated by blower means, to a domed position. When inflated, a simplified non-zipper entry into the enclosed space is provided. The enclosure can also be used as a slightly domed or crowned cover to shed rain and dirt.

-,-; I: mte States Patent [151 3,

Kwake 1451 July 18, 1972 [54] INFLATABLE ENCLOSURE FOR 3,366,977 2/1968Koehler ..4/172. 12 SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 3,373,531 3/1968 Meyeret al.... ..52/2 3,389,510 6/1968 Stock ...52/2 1 1 lnvemofl John Kwake,L05 Angeles, Calif- 7 3,478,472 11/1969 Kwake.... ..52/1

[ 1 Sslgnee e y mpany S Y ge es 1 3,528,110 9/1970 Woycik... ..4/172. 12[22] Filed: Jan. 28, 1971 3,600,721 8/1971 Pusey ..4/172.12

[211 App! (L573 Primary Examiner-HenryK. Artis A Attorney-I. MorleyDrucker [52] U.S. Cl .i4/l72.l2, 52/2 [5 1] Int. Cl. ..E04l1 3/18, E04h3/ 16 [57] ABSTRACT [5 8] Field of Search ..4/1 72.12, 17252122, 2226/122 A vinyl or other plastic, enclosure for swimmingpools (both in-groundand above-ground), storage tanks, or other liquid carrying containerswhich can be inflated by blower means, to [56] Reierences cued a domedposition. When inflated, a simplified non-zipper UNITED STATES PATENTSentry into the enclosed space is provided. The enclosure can also beused as a slightly domed or crowned cover to shed rain 3,063,062 11/1962Logan... ....4 172.14 and dim 3,338,001 8/1967 Fraser ..52/2 3,353,30911/1967 Kwake ..52/2 19 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures Patented July 18,1972 2 Sheets-Sheet INFLATABLE ENCLOSURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Flexible plastic inflatable enclosures andcovers are well known for the purpose of enclosing and/or coveringswimming pools, and other liquid-carrying containers. However, so far asI am aware, no inflatable enclosure has been'provided for anabove-ground swimming pool (one in which the pool walls sit wholly orpartially above the ground rather than being wholly below ground level)or for an in-the-ground pool which (a) has reinforcing means to resisthigh winds and to enable maximum pressurization of the enclosure, (b)acts as an efficient solar heater, (c) is provided with a simple andnovel entry, (d) is air-tight, (e) is provided with means to prevententry of dirt and dust and to keep chemical additions to a minimum and(f) can be utilized as a cover, which remains crowned thereby sheddingrain and dirt all at a low cost and with simplicity of installation.

To my knowledge, all of the air-inflatable enclosures which utilize asealing means comprising a water tube require that this sealing means beplaced on the deck or ground adjacent the pool or container enclosed. Infollowing this concept, however, the area that must be enclosed is atleast 25 percent and usually closer to 60 percent greater than the poolarea itself, and the cost of the enclosure is therefore large. It is anobject of this invention to avoid this additional cost.

Pool covers of which I am aware, are generally flat or dished, andcannot shed water and/or debris readily as can a crowned or domed cover.I am not aware of a domed pool cover that can quickly and easily beconverted to an enclosure within which one can readily enter. It is anobject of this invention to provide such a combination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main objects of this invention are toprovide a relatively low cost enclosure, enclosing a swimming pool orother liquidcarrying containers, whether it be above or below ground,which has the features enumerated in (a) through (f) above.

The enclosure comprises a unitary roof and sidewall member made,preferably, of a plurality of heat-welded 12-20 mil polyvinyl chlorideflexible plastic sheets. At or near the periphery of the said roof andsidewall member is welded a tubular plastic member adapted to containwater or liquid equal to or lighter in density than the liquid in thecontainer. The tubular plastic member generally follows the periphery ofthe walls of the container to be enclosed, and is of approximately thesame length as the perimeter of the container to be enclosed. Theunitary roof and sidewall member has a surface area somewhat larger thanthe area of the pool, or other item to be enclosed.

The roof and sidewall member of the enclosure is preferably suppliedwith non-stretchable, but flexible reinforcing means, e. g., made ofnylon fused to the roof and sidewall member, the reinforcement meanshaving attachment means to be tied down to decking or the groundadjacent the pool or other container to be enclosed.

The roof and sidewall member is provided with a blower sleeve or openingto which can be attached a blower for flowing air therethrough.

To install the enclosure, it is first simply floated across the water orother liquid in the container, e.g. an above-ground or below-groundpool. The tubular member is then filled with water to create anair-tight seal of the tube with the water in the pool, and thereinforcing means is tied down adjacent the pool.

The blower is then turned on and the air flows under the roof andsidewall member and inflates the enclosure. Upon inflation, the attachedtubular member is forced outwardly against the pool wall and conformsthereto. The enclosure is thus provided with an air seal by means of theengagement of the tubular member with the water in the pool. Maximuminternal pressurization of the enclosure is obtained because of the airseal in conjunction with the reinforcement means. In this way, highwinds are resisted and the enclosure achieves great stability.

The enclosure, as described to this point, functions as an airtightreinforced cover which has a crowned shape, and can thus shed dirt andrain easily. After full inflation, the blower can be shut 011. Becauseof the air seal, as well as means to prevent baclcflow of air throughthe blower, no leakage of air will occur to deflate the cover from itsoriginal crowned shape.

To convert the crowned cover to a swimming enclosure, or space which canbe entered, a simple and novel entry is provided. The entry comprises,preferably, a semi-circular piece of aluminum or other rigid tubing, theends of which are pivotally mounted or attached to the pool or containerwall, while the remainder of the tubing is attached to a portion of theexternal surface of the sidewall of the enclosure, to force the sidewallof the enclosure away from the pool wall. In this way, space for easyentry into the pool is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anabove-the-ground pool, with the inflated swimming pool enclosure of thisinvention positioned thereon;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1,showing the means for entry into the pool;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1,showing the air inlet into the pool;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1,showing one preferred means of attaching the reinforcement means of theenclosure to the underside of the pool wall itself;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the entry into the swimming pool enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a combined hook and eye used inattaching the stabilizing means of the enclosure to the underside of thepool wall;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inflated swimming pool enclosure ofthis invention positioned over an in-the-ground pool;

FIG. 8 is a view, in crows-section, taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the frame member of the entry means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The enclosure of thisinvention as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. l6, is given the numeral20. It is shown enclosing an above-the-ground swimming pool 22 havingsidewalls 24. A narrow top deck or coping 26 constitutes the upper edgeof the pool 22 and is attached to sidewalls 24. It will be understoodthat any liquid-carrying container may be enclosed by the means of thisinvention but enclosure of the swimming pool will be described by way ofexample. Attached to the pool sidewall 24 is a waterproof liner 25.

The enclosure 20 comprises a unitary roof and sidewall member 30, madeof a series of opaque, or a combination of opaque and transparentplastic sheets or panels 32. The plastic panels 32 are preferably madeof flexible polyvinyl chloride of between 12 and 20 mils in thickness.The panels 32 are heatwelded by conventional ultra high frequencyheating techniques to form a sheet large enough to disclose a curvedspace above said predetermined pool area when fully inflated. The edgesof the sheet of plastic forming the roof and sidewall member 30, arethen cut so as to conform generally to the diameter or shape of the poolto be enclosed.

A tubular flexible polyvinyl chloride member 34 (preferably of 15-30mils in thickness) is then welded to the edge or periphery of the roofand sidewall member 30. The tubular member 34 is, preferably, between 7and 15 inches in diameter, and is provided with a water filling valve. Asecond opening or valve is also formed therein for the purpose ofventing air from the tube when it is being filled with water. Thesevalves are conventional and are not shown in the drawings. The tubularmember 34 is attached along the entire periphery of the roof andsidewall member 30 so that a complete seal will be formed between thetubular member 34 and the water 36 in the pool 22, (when the tube 34 isfilled with water and the enclosure 20 is inflated).

The roof and sidewall member 30 of the enclosure 20 is preferablysupplied with reinforcing means, straps or stabilizers. Thesestabilizers may be of the type described in detail in my US Pat. No.3,353,309 and pending patent application, Ser. No. 60,038 filed July 3 l1970 and comprise, in general, a non-stretchable, but flexible, nylonwebbing which is first laminated between non-porous polyvinyl chloridesheets and then welded to the roof and sidewall member 30.

The nylon-PBC stabilizers, just described, are designated by the numeral38 and are formed in strips of, preferably, between 4 8 inches in width.A plurality of stabilizers 38 are laminated along a major portion of thelength of the roof and sidewall member 30, in parallel, and spaced,preferably between 3 8 feet from each other.

Each end 38a of each of the stabilizer straps 38 are attached to nylonropes 40, or other suitable tying means, which trying means are, inturn, tautly affixed to the ground or decking adjacent the pool by anysuitable means. Preferably, however, one end of each nylon rope 40 istied to the eye portions 42 of hook and eye members 44 (See FIG. and theother ends of ropes 40 to stabilizer ends 38a. The hooks 46 of themembers 44 are then set under the lower edge of the pool wall 24, asshown in FIG. 4 and the ropes 40 tightly cinched before inflation of theenclosure 20 commences. Additional nylon ropes 43 are similarly attachedto the outermost stabilizers 38, between the ends thereof, and similarlytightly cinched by hook and eye members 44. A web 52 of nylon-PVC islaminated to stabilizer 38, and has a reinforced opening therein,through which one end of the rope 43 may be attached.

Turning now to the installation of the enclosure 20 thereof, the entireenclosure, i.e., the members 32, 34 and welded stabilizers 38 arefloated across the water in the pool 22, the pool 22 having previouslybeen filled with water 36 to a level, preferably, within 4 inches to 8inches below the top edge of the pool walls 24. The water tube 34 isthen filled with water 35, and the air duct or sleeve 47 connected toblower 48.

The blower 48 is turned on and inflation of the enclosure takes only ashort period of time, perhaps 20 40 minutes, depending on the size ofblower and air space enclosed. The tube 34 is forced outwardly againstthe pool walls 24, and generally conforms to the periphery of the poolwalls. Because the water tube 24 is initially made of dimensions andgeneral shape so as to abut the pool walls 24, when inflated, theenclosure 20 cannot readily be moved about under the influence of winds.Also, an air-tight seal is made by means of the water tube 34 laying onthe water 36 in the pool 24. The pressurization within the enclosure 20is self-regulating because, if the pressure within the enclosure shouldbecome too high, a portion of the water tube will lift up from the water36, allowing air to escape to relieve the internal pressure.

A closeable opening 50 (FIG. 1) is also provided in the roof andsidewall member 30 of the enclosure 20 which permits air to be vented,and also enables air to be circulated within the enclosure. To maximizethe circulation of air, the vent 50 is preferably placed at a point inthe enclosure diametrically across from the blower inlet. The vent 50 isprovided with a conventional snap-in closure (not shown) to provide anairtight seal when the blower 48 is not in operation and the enclosure20 is to be utilized as a completely air-tight domed cover.

The enclosure 20, as described to this point, is the most economicalform of combined cover and enclosure. However, in the event of highwinds, it is possible for this enclosure to be moved or whipped about bysuch winds, especially if it is not fully pressurized, and for thisreason, it is preferable to stabilize the enclosure by means of thestabilizer straps 38 fused or otherwise affixed to the enclosure. Suchstabilizing straps 38 and attachment means therefor were described indetail in my issued Pat. No. 3,353,309 issued November 21, 1967 andfurther described in Ser. No. 60,038, my pending patent applicationfiled July 31, 1970.

The stabilizers 38 each comprise a lamination of two outer pieces ofnon-porous polyvinyl chloride sheet between which is placed a nylonwebbing so that the stabilizer 38 becomes non-elastic and substantiallynon-stretchable while at the same time being flexible and readilyfusible to the PVC sheet of the enclosure 20 by conventional techniques.Normally, the stabilizers 38 are preformed into strips of requisitewidth and length so that only welding of the lower PVC layer of thestabilizer 38 to the PVC member 30 of the enclosure 20 is required.

Both ends of each stabilizer 38 are then tied down as has been describedby tie-ropes 40 to the pool walls 24.

After full inflation, the tie lines can be adjusted so as to be taut. Inthis way, the air space within the enclosure 20 can be pressurized to amaximum extent so as to maximize resistance of the enclosure to highwinds and prevent ballooning on hot days as well. Additional tie ropes43 as previously described, may then be provided for furtherstabilization.

Because of the construction of the enclosure 20, it is possible to enterthe pool 22, without the use of any additional entry means, by merelyforcing a portion of the roof and sidewall member 30 of the enclosure 20inwardly (away from the pool walls 24). The swimmer may then step downinto the pool 22 in the space manually provided by the swimmer himself.

Entry into the pool 22 may also be eflected in a novel and. simplemanner. A rigid, semi-circular frame member 60, preferably made ofaluminum tubing, is first formed having a diameter of preferably betweenabout 4 feet to 6 feet. Both ends of the frame member 60 are adapted tobe pivotally mounted to the legs 58 of a ladder 56, as by split-rings orcollars 64, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, and a mid-portion of the framemember 60 is adapted to be attached to an exterior surface of theenclosure 20 by snaps 62. Because of the air pressure within theenclosure, the enclosure 20 is forced outwardly towards the walls 24 ofthe pool 22 and the water tube conforms not only to the walls of thepool but to the external shape of the semi-circular frame member 60 asshown in FIG. 5. An entry-way, into the pool 22, is thus provided.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, a swimmer will climb up the steps66 of the ladder 56 to the top ledge 68 thereof, step down into thewater 36 and into the space provided by the frame member 60. Since theentry frame member 60 is pivotally attached to the legs 58 of the ladderand is attached to a portion of the enclosure 20, a portion of theenclosure can be raised by the swimmer in the manner shown in FIG. 2, indotted line, and the swimmer can move into the major pool area. Theframe member 60 in its normal resting position, lies on the water and isflush with, or closely adjacent the water level since it is weighed downby the water tube 34. However, it is found that a portion of the tube34, can be readily pushed upwardly out of the water enabling the swimmerto move forwardly under the raised portion of the enclosure and into theswimming pool proper. To further facilitate entry, a portion of thewater tube 34 can easily be made of smaller diameter (than the remainderof the tube) at the entry section, although this is not mandatory. Entryinto the pool proper may also be gained by simply ducking into the waterand under the water tube 34 without raising it, if one so desires.

When it is desired to use the swimming enclosure 20 as a cover, therigid frame member 60 is easily removed by disengaging it from the legs58 of the ladder 56 and from its engagement with the water tube 34. Theenclosure 20, because of its internal pressure, moves outwardly so thatwater tube 34 rests against the pool walls 24, as shown in dotted linein FIG. 2.

The air vent 50 is closed and the blower 48 is then shut-ofi'. Uponshutting off the blower 48, that portion of the air duct or sleeve 47a,within the enclosure 20 immediately drops down into the water 36, asshown in dotted line in FIG. 3, thus providing acomplete air seal andpreventing any back flow of 5 air through the air duct 47a, 47. Sinceall flow paths of air away from the interior of enclosure 20 are thusprevented, the enclosure 20 stays in its crowned or dome shape. In thisway, the enclosure 20 functions as a domed cover for an indefiniteperiod of time, easily sheds rain or dirt and at the same time, it isstabilized against high winds by virtue of the stabilizer straps 38 andtie lines 42, 43 described.

Another feature of the pool enclosure 20 of this invention is theprovision of a dust skirt 70. The dust skirt 70 is preferably made of aPVC sheet of mils in thickness, and has its upper edge welded along theentire roof and sidewall member 30, adjacent the periphery of theenclosure 20 and above the water tube 34. The lower edge of the skirt 70hangs freely and is of sufficient length to extend tautly around the topedge or deck 26 of the pool wall 24 when stretched. While a dust skirt70 is not mandatory, it is very helpful in preventing the entry of dustand dirt into the pool 22. For while the water tube 34! acts as an airseal for the enclosure of air, it does not prevent entry of dust anddirt into the water 36 itself when the tube 34 is moved away from thepool sidewalls 24. The provision of a peripherally attached dust skirt70, adapted to be stretched to the underside of the top deck 26,normally found in aboveground pools, is of great advantage in keepingthe pool clean.

The principles described with reference to my combined cover andenclosure for above-ground pools of FIGS. l-6 may also be utilized forpools that are so-called in-ground pools.

An in-the-ground pool embodying the principles of this invention isshown in FIGS. 7 through 10. In FIG. 7, an enclosure 120 is showncomprising a roof and sidewall member 130, welded together as describedpreviously and having attached to the periphery thereof, as byheat-welding a continuous water tube 134 forming an air-tight seal withthe water as earlier described. The roof and sidewall member 130 of theenclosure 120 is preferably stabilized by stabilizers 138 formed asdescribed previously. Stabilizers 138 are preferably fused to the roofand sidewall member 130 and overlie a major portion of the roof andsidewall member of the enclosure 120. The ends of each of thestabilizers 138 are aflixed to the decking or other base adjacent thepool, by suitable anchoring means.

In this in-ground pool embodiment, a dust skirt 170 may also be providedwhich includes a continuous or substantially continuous water tube 172adapted to be sealingly engaged with the decking I76 adjacent the pool.The water tube 172 is attached to the free end of the skirt 170. Theskirt 170 is laminated to the roof and sidewall 130 above the water tube134 at 174 (see FIG. 8).

In this embodiment, the stabilizers 138 extend over the skirt 170 andwater tube 172, and are welded thereto as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Thestabilizer ends 138a are then attached to screw-type anchoring bolts 144by guy ropes 140. The bolts 144 each have an eye through which the guyropes may be attached.

The blower 148 and air venting means (not shown) are the same asdescribed with reference to the FIGS. 1-6 embodiment. Also, additionalguy ropes 143 may be attached as before, to further stabilize theenclosure 120.

The air sleeve is formed within the enclosure 120 (not shown) in thesame manner as described with reference to the above-the-ground poolembodiment and back flow of air is prevented in the same fashion asdescribed previously.

Entry into the pool may be provided in a manner similar to thatdescribed with reference to the above-the-ground pool, i.e., by merelydisengaging the dust skirt 170 (if any) and pushing the enclosure I20inwardly away from the pool walls 124. Also, a semi-circular rigid entryframe member 160 may be provided with hooked ends 161 for attachment tothe upper edge of the pool walls 124 as shown in FIG. 9. The portions ofthe frame member 160, between the ends thereof are adapted to beattached to a portion of the water tube 124, as previously describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, and to push it inwardly away fromthe pool walls. The water tube 172, laying on the deck 176, may beterminated at either side of the entry area, to facilitate entry intothe pool, as shown on FIGS. 7 and 9.

The enclosure comprises a unitary roof and sidewall member madepreferably of 12 to 20 mil polyvinyl chloride flexible air-impermeableplastic sheets. As in the above-the-ground embodiment of FIGS. l-6, theunitary roof and sidewall member 130 has an area somewhat larger thanthe area of the pool or other container to be enclosed and ispreferably, but not mandatorily, supplied with stabilizer means.

To install the enclosure 120, it is first simply floated across thewater and the tubular member 134 is then filled with water to create anair sea] of the tube 134 with the water in the pool. The stabilizers 138are then tied down adjacent the pool. Next, the blower is turned on andthe air flows under the roof and sidewall member 130 and inflates theenclosure 120. Upon inflation, the attached water tube 124 is forcedoutwardly against the pool wall and conforms thereto to provide theenclosure with an air tight seal. Maximum pressurization is obtainedbecause of the combination of the air sea] with the reinforcing means,in the same manner as in the above-ground pool embodiment. High windsare thus easily resisted and the enclosure achieves great stability.

The enclosure 120 also functions as a stabilized air tight cover whichhas a crown or dome shape by simply detaching the entry frame member andturning the blower ofl. No leakage can occur because there is noback-flow of air to the blower.

In particular, the enclosure of this invention functions as an excellentsolar collector for both in-ground and above-ground liquid containerswhen the blower is turned off and the air venting means is closed. Thisis because the air is effectively trapped within the domed enclosure andis readily heated by the sun's rays. In turn, the water within the poolis raised in temperature.

While particular forms of the enclosure have been illustrated anddescribed, various modifications can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An air-supported enclosure for liquid-carrying containers comprising:

a roof and sidewall member composed of flexible air-impermeable plasticsheeting, said member having a surface area larger than the area to beenclosed;

an air-impermeable tubular plastic member, attached to the periphery ofsaid roof and sidewall member, generally following the periphery of, andof dimensions such that said tubular member abuts, the walls of thecontainer to be enclosed;

means for filling said tubular plastic member with liquid;

and blower means for blowing air into said enclosure to thereby inflatesaid roof and sidewall member and cause said tubular member, when filledwith liquid equal to or lighter in density than the liquid to beenclosed, to be forced outwardly to abut the walls of the containerwhile floating on the surface of the liquid to be contained.

2. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein the roof and sidewallmember is composed, substantially, of flexible plastic sheeting of 12 20mils in thickness.

3. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein the tubular plasticmember is welded to the periphery of said roof and sidewall member.

4. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein the length of thetubular plastic member is approximately the same as the length of theperimeter defined by the walls of said container.

5. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said liquid carryingcontainer is a swimming pool, said liquid,

adapted to fill said tubular plastic member is water, and said liquid insaid container is water.

6. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said liquid carryingcontainer is an above-the-ground swimming pool.

7. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said liquid carryingcontainer is an in-the-ground swimming pool.

8. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof and sidewallmember carries a plurality of spaced, nonstretchable, reinforcing strapsattached to at least a portion of said roof and sidewall member, andeach of the ends of said straps being in turn attached to a baseadjacent said container.

9. An air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof and sidewallmember carries a plurality of spaced, nonstretchable, reinforcingstraps, each of the ends of said straps being tied to the underside ofthe walls of said container.

10. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein a portion of saidroof and sidewall member is light transparent.

11. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof andsidewall member carries a flexible skirt adjacent the periphery thereof.

12. The air-supported enclosure of claim ll wherein said skirt hasattached thereto an auxilliary water tube for sealing engagement withthe surface adjacent to said container.

13. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein a rigid frame memberis adapted to be pivotally mounted between a wall of said container anda portion of said roof and sidewall member.

14. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein a plurality ofspaced, non-stretchable, reinforcing straps are affixed to at least aportion of said roof and sidewall member, each of said straps includingnylon.

15. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said blower meansincludes an air sleeve within said enclosure and attached to said roofand sidewall member thereof, and of such length that when the blower isshut-off the free end thereof is adapted to drop below the normal liquidlevel carried in said liquid-carrying container.

16. An air-supported enclosure for use in combination with aliquid-carrying container, which comprises:

a roof and sidewall member composed of flexible air-impermeable plasticsheeting, said member having a surface area larger than the area to beenclosed;

an air-impermeable tubular plastic member, attached to the periphery ofsaid roof and sidewall member, generally following the periphery of, andof dimensions such that said tubular member abuts, the walls of thecontainer to be enclosed;

means for filling said tubular plastic member with liquid;

and blower means for blowing air into said enclosure to thereby inflatesaid roof and sidewall member and cause said tubular member, when filledwith liquid equal to or lighter in density than the liquid to beenclosed, to be forced outwardly to abut the walls of the containerwhile floating on the surface of the liquid to be contained.

17. The air supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof andsidewall member is provided with a closeable vent.

18. The air supported enclosure of claim 17 wherein said closeable ventis placed diametrically across from said blower means.

19. The air supported enclosure of claim 13 wherein said rigid framemember is pivotally mounted to a ladder placed between said wall of saidcontainer and said portion of said roof and sidewall member.

1. An air-supported enclosure for liquid-carrying containers comprising:a roof and sidewall member composed of flexible air-impermeable plasticsheeting, said member having a surface area larger than the area to beenclosed; an air-impermeable tubular plastic member, attached to theperiphery of said roof and sidewall member, generally following theperiphery of, and of dimensions such that said tubular member abuts, thewalls of the container to be enclosed; means for filling said tubularplastic member with liquid; and blower means for blowing air into saidenclosure to thereby inflate said roof and sidewall member and causesaid tubular member, when filled with liquid equal to or lighter indensity than the liquid to be enclosed, to be forced outwardly to abutthe walls of the container while floating on the surface of the liquidto be contained.
 2. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein theroof and sidewall member is composed, substantially, of flexible plasticsheeting of 12 - 20 mils in thickness.
 3. The air-supported enclosure ofclaim 1 wherein the tubular plastic member is welded to the periphery ofsaid roof and sidewall member.
 4. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1wherein the length of the tubular plastic member is approximately thesame as the length of the perimeter defined by the walls of saidcontainer.
 5. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said liquidcarrying container is a swimming pool, said liquid, adapted to fill saidtubular plastic member is water, and said liquid in said container iswater.
 6. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said liquidcarrying container is an above-the-ground swimming pool.
 7. Theair-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said liquid carryingcontainer is an in-the-ground swimming pool.
 8. The air-supportedenclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof and sidewall member carries aplurality of spaced, non-stretchable, reinforcing straps attached to atleast a portion of said roof and sidewall member, and each of the endsof said straps being in turn attached to a base adjacent said container.9. An air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof and sidewallmember carries a plurality of spaced, non-stretchable, reinforcingstraps, each of the ends of said straps being tied to the underside ofthe walls of said container.
 10. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1wherein a portion of said roof and sidewall member is light transparent.11. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof andsidewall member carries a flexible skirt adjacent the periphery thereof.12. The air-supported enclosure of claim 11 wherein said skirt hasattached thereto an auxilliary water tube for sealing engagement withthe surface adjacent to said container.
 13. The air-supported enclosureof claim 1 wherein a rigid frame member is adapted to be pivotallymounted between a wall of said container and a portion of said roof andsidewall member.
 14. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein aplurality of spaced, non-stretchable, reinforcing straps are affixed toat least a portion of said roof and sidewall member, each of said strapsincluding nylon.
 15. The air-supported enclosure of claim 1 wherein saidblower means includes an air sleeve within said enclosure and attachedto said roof and sidewall member thereof, and of such length that whenthe blower is shut-off the free end thereof is adapted to drop below thenormal liquid level carried in said liquid-carrying container.
 16. Anair-supported enclosure for use in combination with a liquid-carryingcontainer, which comprises: a roof and sidewall member composeD offlexible air-impermeable plastic sheeting, said member having a surfacearea larger than the area to be enclosed; an air-impermeable tubularplastic member, attached to the periphery of said roof and sidewallmember, generally following the periphery of, and of dimensions suchthat said tubular member abuts, the walls of the container to beenclosed; means for filling said tubular plastic member with liquid; andblower means for blowing air into said enclosure to thereby inflate saidroof and sidewall member and cause said tubular member, when filled withliquid equal to or lighter in density than the liquid to be enclosed, tobe forced outwardly to abut the walls of the container while floating onthe surface of the liquid to be contained.
 17. The air supportedenclosure of claim 1 wherein said roof and sidewall member is providedwith a closeable vent.
 18. The air supported enclosure of claim 17wherein said closeable vent is placed diametrically across from saidblower means.
 19. The air supported enclosure of claim 13 wherein saidrigid frame member is pivotally mounted to a ladder placed between saidwall of said container and said portion of said roof and sidewallmember.